My trip photos

Outdoor fun for all!

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park outside of Gatlinburg, Tn is a frequent vacation destination for my family. When we go we include grandparents, adults, and kids. The best thing about this park is that there is something for everyone. Short hikes, long hikes, driving tours, beautiful scenery, historical buildings with learning opportunities, swimming and fishing in the rivers, waterfalls, and BEARS! Without fail we see the iconic black bears everytime we visit. Elementary age children can earn a Junior Ranger Park badge at no cost by completing certain activities. We like to earn the Junior Ranger badges at each National Park we visit. It makes for a fun souvenier and a (hidden) learning opportunity at the same time! Because you are at your own pace, this is a great vacation for any age!

Tips for Families

Pack a picnic lunch and a swim suit. Chimney Tops picnic area or Little Greenbriar Picnic area are our favorites and have shaded picnic tables and a river to get wet in! Don't forget the sunscreen and a lawnchair, you will be there all afternoon! Visit one of the visitor centers on your first day to get maps and suggestions from the park rangers on what is appropriate for your group's skill level. You can also pick up information on the Junior Ranger Program and start working on a Junior Ranger badge. The Cades Cove driving tour is the most popular activity in the park. Plan to arrive early (by 10:00am) to avoid the traffic that builds as the day goes on. This will probably take most of the day so pack a picnic lunch. There are evening hay rides through Cades Cove which offer great wildlife viewing opportunities. Reserve your spot in advance. Be sure to read the park's newspaper which lists ranger led activities for the month. We have seen a school house presentation, been on salamader hikes, watched fireflies come out, and sat around campfires learning about the people who called the Smoky Mountains home.

Suggestions for nearby family-friendly accommodations

We like to rent a house with washer and dryer, full kitchen (for easy breakfasts), and hot tub. We can get enough bedrooms we can spread out and everyone can have their own bed. Lots of the homes have extra amenities, like pool tables, free internet, porch swings with a view, and more! I use Moutain Rentals of Gatlinburg, but there are many others out there.

Suggestions for nearby family-friendly restaurants

Don't miss the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge for dinner one evening. Be sure to arrive early (by 5pm) or risk waiting an hour or more for a table. Great homestyle cooking with portions large enough for 2-3 people (or save the leftovers and have dinner the next night too!) The Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg has awesome microbrews and is family friendly. They have coloring menus with crayons for the kids and kid friendly food too!

Atlanta, Georgia

My ratings by kids age

My trip photos

Nature at its best

This park has it all: beautiful hikes, gushing rivers and waterfalls, abundant wildlife (especially in the Cades Cove area) and stunning mountain vistas. Roaring fork nature trail is one you can enjoy driving, taking in the deep forest and the historic buildings scattered around, but it is worth taking the time and hiking to one of the waterfalls (Grotto Falls is an easy 3-mile hike). Three waterfalls in the deep creek area (the southern part of the park) are easily accessed via strollers. Clingman’s Dome is a must- climbing up really helps to appreciate the views

Tips for Families

Three waterfalls in the deep creek area (the southern part of the park) are easily accessed via strollers. Laurel Falls is a paved hike, but pavement is uneven.